Resorts World Casino brings in record-breaking $1.2 billion

Resorts World New York City officials announced $1.2 billion went through the Racino in December.

They did it again.

Resorts World Casino New York City officials announced they broke the bank once again after patrons spent $1.2 billion in the facility’s two floors of games last December — the most to go through a Racino in state history.

The Racino took back just about half of that, with $59.2 million in revenue and $42 million going back to the state in tax revenue. Continuing to earmark money for specific programs, $26 million will go to New York’s Education Fund.

Resorts World President Michael Speller lauded the record, noting it was a good way to kick off the New Year with high hopes for 2013.

“Resorts World Casino is breaking records on a regular basis,” Speller said. “With more visitors than ever coming through our doors, it’s clear that New Yorkers and tourists alike know that Resorts World Casino New York City is a world-class gaming experience right here in Queens – just minutes, not hours away. With a fantastic first year in the books, we look forward to doing even more to improve the gaming and entertainment experience in 2013.”

This caps off a record-breaking year for state gaming, with Resorts World sending $460 million back to the state, according to Racino representatives. Of that intake, $295 million was allocated for education. The remaining revenue has usually been earmarked for programs for the racing industry.

New modes of transportation are leading to increased numbers of gamers walking through the Racino’s doors. These include an upgraded A train stop at the Aqueduct site and a new visitor’s center at the arcade shops at Sutphin Boulevard.